El Cubano

Location:
Malecón
Atacames, Ecuador

Restaurant Types:
Seafood, Regional

By Katie Tibbetts

In Atacames you can take your pick of seafood restaurants, and some of the cheapest and best seafood is found right on the beach. But if you’re looking for a place with a bit of atmosphere and a distinctly local feel, El Cubano restaurant is a top-notch establishment. During the day, families and couples drape themselves across the long wooden glass-topped tables and hunker down for a hearty afternoon feed. Orange table cloths compliment the colorful seafood dishes that appear in rapid succession from the kitchen. From ceviche to rice and fish, meat, or chicken dishes, this place has something for just about everyone (except, maybe, vegetarians). Juices are expensive ($1), so you might want to save that fruity beverage for another time. The local treat, encocado, is also served here. Occasionally looking after his family’s restaurant, Milton Altamirano also owns Hotel Galleria down the road. If you’re planning on a jungle trip after the coast, Milton will gladly tell you about his other enterprise: Hostería El Aliso, in El Oriente.

Prices:
Lunch: Mid-Range
Dinner: Mid-Range